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KARL BENJAMIN, MY FRIEND : OUR MURAL FOR YOU

1,115 views · Published 4 September 2012 · 7:14 · Indexed 22 September 2026

Channel: ERIC MINH SWENSON ART FILMS · 2012 · Howto & Style

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Film by Eric Minh Swenson. Music by James Lucchesi. 

In January of 2012 the newly adopted Public Arts Ordinance went into effect in Pomona, California.  As a region with a long history of public art it was not a surprise that both the Cultural Arts Commission and the Vehicle Parking District in Pomona (VPD) would be interested in producing the first public mural under the new ordinance. VPD, which manages the parking lots in Pomona's Arts Colony (part of the historic downtown), approached Cultural Arts Commissioner Andi Campognone to find an artist for the project.  Artist David P. Flores was recommended for the project and concepts were created for the mural.  It was important that the mural capture relevant history in the region so the portrait of important painter Karl Benjamin was appropriate.  Flores presented three different versions of the tribute mural to Campognone (a close friend of Benjamin) who in turn shared them with Karl Benjamin, his wife Beverly and their daughter Beth.  The family liked the idea and the sketches.  The mural was scheduled to be complete by April 29, 2012 after being presented to both VPD and the Cultural Arts Commission however David Flores was also commissioned to complete multiple murals for the 2012 Olympics which pushed the Karl Benjamin Mural finish time off.  Unfortunately during this time Karl Benjamin became ill and passed away on July 26th. The mural was started on July 30 and finished on August 6, 2012.  What began as a tribute to a long time Inland Region artist turned into a loving memorial to a respected artist and friend.

For more info on Eric Minh Swenson or project inquiries visit his website :www.thuvanarts.com

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